Ink level control system

ABSTRACT

The combination of an ink agitator and sensor means to provide an apparatus and system for distributing ink in an ink fountain and for continuously monitoring the level of ink within an ink fountain and for automatically supplying additional ink to the ink fountain when the level falls below a predetermined level and for preventing the supply of ink to the fountain when the level of ink is at a predetermined level. The invention includes paddle means adjacent the ink agitator which are contacted by the wave of ink caused by the ink agitator movement thereby monitoring the level of ink within the ink fountain. The apparatus and system has two embodiments. In one embodiment, the supply of ink is immediately adjacent the ink fountain and, if desired, moves back and forth with the ink agitator to insure even distribution of the ink being supplied to the fountain. In the second embodiment, the ink supply is located at a remote location and feeds ink to the ink fountain via a pipe system.

United States Patent 91 Gegenheimer et a1.

[ Nov. 19, 1974 1 1 INK LEVEL CONTROL SYSTEM [75] Inventors: Harold W.Gegenheimer, Darien;

Walter A. Siebein, Redding; George ,1. Hancock, Milford, all of Conn.

[73] Assignee: Baldwin-Gegenheimer Corporation, Stamford, Conn.

22 Filed: Oct. 24, 1972 [21] Appl. No.2 299,894

[52] U.S. Cl. 101/363 [51] Int. Cl B41127/08, B41f 31/06 [58] Field ofSearch 101/350, 351, 363, 364,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,399,688 5/1946 Metzner etal 101/364 2,941,467 6/1960 .lauch et al 101/366 3,025,793 3/1962Vischulis 101/350 3,134,326 5/1964 Davis 101/366 3,172,779 3/1965Warshaw et a1. 118/9 3,199,451 8/1965 Nitchie 101/366 3,292,534 12/1966Maschinot 101/364 3,308,754 3/1967 Munn 101/366 X 3,373,052 3/1968 Rode101/350 X 3,541,959 11/1970 Taffel 101/363 FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS 1,073,133 6/1967 Great Britain 101/364 Primary Examiner-J.Reed Fisher Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Morgan, Finnegan, Durham & Pine [57] ABSTRACT The combination of an ink agitator and sensor means toprovide an apparatus and system for distributing ink in an ink fountainand for continuously monitoring the level of ink within an ink fountainand for automatically supplying additional ink to the ink fountain whenthe level falls below a predetermined level and for preventing thesupply of ink to the fountain when the level of ink is at apredetermined level.

The invention includes paddle means adjacent the ink agitator which arecontacted by the wave of ink caused by the ink agitator movement therebymonitoring the level of inkwithin the ink fountain.

The apparatus and system has two embodiments. In one embodiment, thesupply of ink is immediately adjacent the ink fountain and, if desired,moves back and forth with the ink agitator to insure even distributionof the ink being supplied to the fountain. 1n the second embodiment, theink supply is located at a remote location and feeds ink to the inkfountain via a pipe system.

' 5 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures PATENTEI', HUV I 91974 SHEET 01 OF HCONTROL PANEL I INK FROM SENSOR INK PUMP 5i if -H- INK AGITATOR 4 4 INKPADDLES TRIP swITcH '2 INK DISPENSER TROLLEY\RAIL I I 7 l INK SENSOR 14CONTROL 2 T PANEL INK g I I3 INK AGITATOR PADDLES TRIP SW|TCH\ I2 oPATENTEL HOV I QIBN SHEEI 02 0F 11 PATENI um 1 91974 sum 05 or 11.F'IGH.

PATENTEL RSV I 91574 sum 05 [1F 11 PATENTEL, ran-v 1 9mm SHEET 07 HF 11Hen.

RE GAUGE PRESSU PRESSURE REGULATOR Pmsmww 3,848,529

sum 11 or 11 INK LEVEL CONTROL SYSTEM THE INVENTION This inventionrelates to a method and apparatus system for distributing ink in an inkfountain, for continuously monitoring the level of ink within the inkfountain of a printing press and for supplying ink to the ink fountainin frequent discrete quantities in the event that the level of ink fallsbelow a predetermined level. The invention further includes means forpreventing the supply of an excessive amount of ink to the ink fountainwhen the level of ink in the fountain is at a predetermined level.

Printing presses have ink fountains which contain ink which is removedfrom the fountain by the ink fountain roller of the press. The inkwithin these fountains can have varying colors and tends to be viscousand sticky. It is necessary from time to time to replenish or change theink within the ink fountain. When done by hand, this is a timeconsuming, messy job. When done manually, the operator must makefrequent checks on the level of the ink and if the ink level is found tobe low, replenish the supply by hand. The ink containers may be of 5,10, 25 pound sizes or as much as 55 gallon drums or larger tanks.

Removing ink from containers of this size is difficult and can lead tospilling of ink on component parts or even on the floor. It is generallydone manually by the use of a large spatula. Furthermore, where the inkis hand fed to the ink fountain, it is frequently necessary to remove askin which forms on the top of the ink container when the ink is not inconstant use. The removal of this skin, which is essential, necessarilyresults in loss and wastage of the ink.

Moreover, when the ink level is determined by observation, precisecontrol of the ink level is not maintainedI-Ience, an excessive amountof ink may be in the ink fountain at a time when it is necessary tochange the ink by reason of the fact that a different color or type ofink is then needed for that particular press. The ink in the fountainmust then be removed resulting in loss and spillage of the ink thenbeing used.

In accordance with the present invention, the level of ink iscontinuously monitored so that a predetermined level of ink ismaintained within the ink fountain. More particularly, in accordancewith this invention, a minimum level of ink is maintained within the inkfountain at all times. In other words, fresh ink will not be supplied tothe ink fountain unless the level of ink goes below a predeterminedlevel. Thus, there is no danger that there will be an excess of inkwithin the container resulting in an accidental overflow of ink.Moreover, since a minimum level of ink is maintained within the inkfountain, the amount of ink to be removed when a change of ink isdictated is kept at a minimum thus reducing loss and waste of ink when achange of ink is required. Further by maintaining a constant level ofink in the fountain insures consistent feeding of ink to the inkrollers.

In accordance with this invention, means are provided whereby the freshink is fed to the ink fountain on a frequent basis in small measuredquantities generally a few ounces at a time. By frequently feeding theink from the ink container, the ink which is fed is maintainedsubstantially uncontaminated in that lint does not contaminate the inksupply. Moreover, precise control is maintained over the level of inkwithin the ink fountain by reason of the fact that only a few ounces ofink are fed to the ink fountain at a time.

When the device is in operation, the ink supply means is actuated by theink agitator so that ink can be fed to the ink fountain only when theink agitator is in operation thus preventing accidential supply of inkto the ink fountain.

The present invention has several embodiments, one where the supply ofink is at a remote location and a second embodiment where the ink supplyis located directly above the ink fountain. In this latter embodimentmeans are provided so that the ink supply can, if desired, move with theink agitator back and forth along the length of the ink fountain. As theink agitator moves back and forth through the ink fountain, itdistributes the ink and creates a wave of ink which, as will be seen, isutilized to monitor the level of ink within the container.

In both embodiments of the invention, sensor means are provided whichare activated by the wave of ink and which determines when the level ofink is below a predetermined level in which event ink is automaticallyfed to the ink fountains for a predetermined period of time.

The invention also includes sensor means activated by the ink wave whichdetermines when the ink level in the ink fountain is above apredetermined level at which time the sensor will activate means toprevent additional inkfrom. being fed to the ink fountain and willactivate a warning light, thus informing the operator that there is anexcess of ink in the fountain.

As embodied herein, the sensor means in combination with the inkagitator maintains the ink level in the ink fountain at a minimum leveland determines when the ink level in the ink fountain is above apredetermined level. More particularly, as embodied, the ink sensorscomprise pivotally mounted levers or paddles extending into the inkfountain which are adapted to contact the wave of ink caused by themovement of the ink agitator. An ink agitator of the type used herein tocontinuously mix the ink is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,849,952 issuedto H. W. Gegenheimer on Sept. 2, 1958 and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,084,025issued to H. W. Gegenheimer et al on Apr. 9, 1963.

As explained more fully hereinafter the ink agitator assembly as itreaches the end of its path of travel, arms an electrical circuit whichwill automatically cause ink to be fed to the ink fountain unless theink level sensor means determines that there is sufficient ink in thefountain in which event the ink sensor means will disarm the electricalcircuit thereby preventing ink from being fed to the ink fountain.

In one form of the invention which is applicable to large presses or forlong runs of the same type of ink, the ink supply is located at alocation remote from the ink fountain. In this embodiment, theelectrical system and sensor cooperate to cause the feeding of ink tothe ink fountain from the remote location.

In another embodiment of the invention particularly adapted for smallerpresses or for a short run of a large press where the ink supply maycomprise 5 to 10 pound cans of ink, the ink supply is located directlyabove the ink fountain. In this embodiment of the ink, the ink supplymeans is mounted so that it can, if desired, move along the length ofthe ink fountain while it is feeding ink into the ink fountain.

With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of this invention to providea new and improved device or system for maintaining the level of inkwithin an ink fountain at a minimum level.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved devicefor controlling the level of ink in an ink fountain wherein sensors areused for continuously monitoring the level of ink whereby when the levelof ink falls below a predetermined level, ink will be automatically fedto the ink fountain for a predetermined period of time.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device which preventsthe ink fountain from obtaining an excessive amount of ink.

A further object of this invention is to provide a device wherein inkmay be periodically fed to an ink fountain from a remote location.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device wherein ink issupplied to an ink fountain from a supply of ink located directly abovethe ink fountain and wherein an ink agitator distributes such inkthroughout the ink fountain.

Another object of this invention is to provide an ink level controlsystem which is activated by and cooperates with an ink agitator withinan ink fountain.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a device whereinink is supplied to an ink fountain from a supply of ink located directlyabove the ink fountain and wherein, if desired, the ink supply movesalong the length of the ink fountain with the ink agitated to distributethe ink evenly throughout the ink fountain.

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in parthereinafter and in part will be obvious herefrom, or may be learned bypractice with the invention, the same being realized and attained bymeans of the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in theappended claims.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements,combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings, referred to herein and constituting a parthereof, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

In the drawings reference characters are used throughout to designatethe same elements:

FIG. I is a schematic showing of an embodiment of the invention wherethe supply of ink is remote from the ink fountain;

FIG. 2 is a schematic showing of another embodiment of the inventionwhere the ink dispenser is located at the ink fountain;

FIG. 3 is a perspective showing of the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective showing of the FIG. 2 embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a sectional elevation taken along line 5-5 of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view with coverremoved taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary vertical elevational view taken along line 7-7of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a vertical elevational view taken generally along line 8-8 ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a plan view taken along the 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 in elevation taken along line 10-10of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the elements shown in F IG.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing a modification thereof;

FIG. 13 is a vertical section taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a vertical section taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the control panel;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the control panel shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the ink dispensor used with the FIG. 2embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the ink dispensor shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the control panel shown in FIGS. 15 and16;

FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a partial circuit diagram used with the FIG. 2 embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of one formof the invention;

FIG. 23 is a pespective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 22 in adifferent position.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an ink fountain 2 having locatedtherein the cone 4 of an ink agitator. The ink agitator assembly 6driven by the continuous chain 8 moves back and forth along the lengthof the ink fountain 2 (see e.g., FIG. 4). As the ink agitator traversesthe ink fountain, the cone 4 rotates about its longitudinal axis thusresulting in continuous mixing of the ink within the ink fountain. Theconstruction and manner of operation of the ink agitator assembly can bethe same, except as modified as described herein, as the ink agitatordevices described in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,849,952 and3,084,025 either of which can be used in conjunction with the presentinvention. Reference is made to those patents for a complete descriptionof the construction and manner of operation of the ink agitator device.The ink is removed from the ink fountain by the ink fountain roller 10(FIG. 3) in the conventional manner also described in the aforesaidpatents. As the cone rotates and moves longitudinally in the inkfountain it causes the formation of a wave W (see FIG. 8). The wave isutilized for monitoring the level of ink within the ink fountain asexplained subsequently.

In accordance with this invention, means is provided for continuouslymonitoring the level of ink within the ink fountain and for permittingthe feeding of additional ink to the ink fountain in the event that thelevel of ink in the ink fountain falls below a predetermined level.

As embodied herein the sensor means includes a sensor assembly 14. Theink sensor assembly 14 is mounted by means of bracket 16 to the beam 18which extends longitudinally along the ink fountain 2 and is attached tothe frame of the ink fountain or offset press in any convenient mannerpress (see FIG. 3). The ink sensor assembly includes two sensors whichare in the form of paddles or levers l2 and 13. Paddle l2 constitutesmeans for sensing when the level of ink in the ink fountain has fallenbelow a predetermined level thus permitting the feeding of additionalink to the ink fountain. Adjacent to paddle 12 is another paddle 13.This paddle which is positioned a distance further from the bed of inkfountain 2 than is paddle 12 senses when the ink level is too high andtriggers means whereby additional ink cannot be fed to the ink fountain.This paddle also causes a warning light to go on. These two paddles aremounted with respect to the ink sensor mechanism in an identical manner.Hence, a description of one will constitute a description of both.

In accordance with this invention means is provided whereby the inksensing paddles can be adjustd with respect to the bed of the inkfountain so that different levels of ink may be maintained in the inkfountain as desired.

As embodied herein and shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and there is an adjustingknob attached to the threaded shaft 22. Located within the ink sensormechanism is a threaded nut 24 which is in threaded engagement with theshaft 22. At the end opposite from the adjusting knob 20 is a bearing 26which engages the end of shaft 22. When knob 20 is turned the entire inksensor assembly will move with respect to the bracket 16 thus adjustingthe position of paddle 12 with respect to the ink fountain.

In accordance with this invention means is provided whereby the sensingpaddles move with respect to the ink sensing assembly when the wave ofink caused by the movement of the ink agitator reaches a predeterminedheight.

As embodied, the paddles 12 and 13 are pivotally mounted with respect tothe ink sensor assembly. Turning to FIG. 11 there is shown thearrangement whereby the paddle 13 is pivotally mounted with respect tothe ink sensor assembly 14. It will be understood that the paddle 12 ismounted in an identical fashion. As there shown sensor paddle 13 isattached to the bifurcated frame member 30 by means of the screw member32. It will be understood that by loosening screw member 32 the paddle13 can be removed for cleaning or disassembly of the ink sensor. Thebifurcated frame member 30 has a bearing 33 at the end opposite from thepaddle which serves as a pivot for the sensors 12, 13 (See FIG. 13). Thesensor paddles are provided with contact members 36 in the form of thethreaded shafts on the frame 30 which are adapted to engage the lever 38of the high level sensor switch 40. Thus, if paddle 12 is movedsufficiently by the wave W of ink the sensor switch 40 will be activatedto produce the result described hereafter.

Similarly, sufficient movement of the sensor paddle 12 will operatesensor switch 42 to produce a result described subsequently.

FIGS. l2 and 14 show a modification of FIGS. 11 and 13 wherein thesensor switches are located on the left hand rather than the right handside of the ink level assembly. The arrangements are otherwiseidentical.

In accordance with this invention means is provided whereby the inkagitator must be in operation before any ink can be fed to the inkfountain.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, it will be noted that there is a lug 49 onthe endless chain 8. The lug 49 serves the same purpose as it does inUS. Pat. No. 2,849,952. In addition, however, lug 49 serves to activatethe trip switch 52 which is mounted at one end of the ink fountain inany convenient manner, each time the lug 49 comes into contact with thetrip switch 52. In effect each time the ink agitator reaches the end ofthe ink fountain where the trip switch 52 is located that switch will beactivated which activates the circuit as described subsequently.

OPERATION A description of the overall operation of the device will nowbe set forth.

Reference is now made to the electrical circuit shown in FIG. 20. Asembodied, the system is run at 1 15 volts 60 cycles.

The electrical system is activated when the normally open automatic offswitch 50 is manually closed thus energizing the control panel circuitand lights L1 and L2. These lights inform the operator that the systemis in operation. In series with the automatic off switch 50 is animpression switch 3 which is normally open. This switch can be an airpressure switch or a limit switch depending upon the particular pressinvolved. The purpose of the impression switch is to de-energize the inklevel control panel circuit when the printing press is not printing sothat ink will not be fed when the press is not running. It is opened bymeans not shown in the event the press is not operating.

If an air pressure switch is used, air pressure of 15 pounds per squareinch or more will open the switch and de-energize the circuit. The airpressure, by means not shown, also removes the printing cylinder fromthe printing position.

If a limit switch is used, it is mechanically switched by means notshown when the press stops printing to accomplish the same purposedescribed above. The details of the alternative operations of theimpression switch have been omitted or not being essential to theunderstanding of the invention.

As described earlier, the trip switch 50 is actuated by the lug 49 eachtime the lug 49 comes into contact with the trip switch 52 which islocated at one end of ink fountain 2. When the device starts operation,the circuit is in the condition shown in FIG. 20. When lug 49 contactstrip switch 52, the first time the trip switch moves to the right (FIG.20) and relay R2 is activated and switches R2-1 and R-2-2 are closedfrom their normally open position. When the lug 49 disengages the tripswitch 52, the switch 52 assumes the position of FIG. 20 thus activatingrelay R1 because switch R-2-2 is closed. Activation of relay R-1 causesswitches R-l-l and R-1-2 to close in their other position. When the lug49 contacts trip switch 52 again and moves it to the right (FIG. 20) andsince R-l-2 is closed, the circuit to the feed timer is closed andswitch 54 closes.

The details of feed timer construction are not shown because it is acommercial embodiment not forming a part of the present invention. Thepurpose of the timer is to control the length of time that ink can befed to the press. The timer can be adjusted to permit ink feeding for apredetermined period of time, usually a matter of seconds. For largerpresses the ink feed will probably be for a longer period of time thanfor a smaller press. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the device can also beprovided with a counter to record the number of times ink is fed to theink fountain.

After the timer has run for the predetermined period of time, the feedtimer switch 56 will be opened thus de-energizing relays R1 and R2.

The foregoing description assumes that the wave of ink caused by themovement of the agitator through the ink fountain is not sufficientlyhigh to cause movement of the paddle 12 which would open sensor switch42.

, be de-energized. In this event, the feed cycle is interrupted. Infact, any time sensor switch 42 is opened the relays R1 and R2 will bede-energized thus preventing flow of ink to the ink fountain.

On the other hand, if the ink level is below the predetermined level thesensor paddle 12 will not move and sensor swtich 42 will remain closedand the cycle repeats itself.

The high level paddle 13 can also cause de-energizing of relays R1 andR2, thus, preventing further ink feeding. The high level switch 40 isshown in its normal position in FIG. 20.

If, however, the level of ink in the ink fountain is high enough so thatpaddle 13 is moved, then the high level switch 40 will close to thelower contact in FIG. 20 thus energizing relay R3. When relay R3 isenergized, switch R3-1 closes thus keeping relay R3 energized andnormally closed switch R3-2 opens thus de-energizing relays R1 and R2and preventing additional ink feed.

When relay R3 is activated, light L3 goes on thus warning the operatorthat there is an excess of ink in the ink fountain.

The foregoing description applies to both embodiments of the presentinvention.

As noted hereinafter, in one embodiment of the invention the ink supplyis at a position remote from the ink fountain. This embodiment is shownin FIGS. 1, 3, 8 and 20.

In this embodiment, shown in FIG. 20, when the feed timer circuit isactivated then the feed counter and ink feed valve are also activated.When the ink feed valve is closed, then a pump located at a remotelocation is actuated and ink is pumped through pipe 70 (FIG. 1). Thecounter which is conventional in construction simply keeps track of thenumber of times the ink feed valve has been activated. This gives theoperator an idea of the amount of ink that has been removed from the inksupply container located in the remote location since the operator cancalculate the number of times the ink feed valve has been operated andknow the length of time that ink has been fed by reading the time set onthe feed timer.

It should also be noted that in order to fill the ink fountain at thebeginning of a run, for example, there is provided a manual feed switchwhich by-passes the remainder ofthe circuit except for the automaticon/off switch 50. By closing this circuit the ink feed valve willactivate and cause ink to be fed to the ink fountain.

FIG. 2] illustrates the electrical circuit modifications for theembodiment where the ink supply means is located directly above the inkfountain. This embodiment is also shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 7, 17, 18 and 21.

In this embodiment, when the feed timer is activated an air valve 66(FIG. 21) is activated for the period of time set on the timer and airis forced into cylinder 67 (FIG. 18) for that period of time. Theactivation of the air valve will cause the plunger 68 (FIGS. 17 and 18)to descend thus forcing ink from the ink container 70 into the inkfountain 2 for the period of time set on the timer. If desired, an emptycan switch 78 (FIGS. 17 and 18) can be placed within the air cylinder toactivate light 4 when the plunger has descended a predetermined amountthus indicating that the ink supply can, has been or is about to beemptied.

In accordance with this invention, means is provided whereby the inksupply means in this form of the invention can, if desired, move withthe ink agitator to insure even distribution of the ink.

As embodied (FIGS. 4 and 17) there is a bracket which is attached to theink agitator assembly 6 in any convenient manner. On the top of thebracket 80 is lug 82. The lug 82 is engaged by lugs 84 which pivot aboutpivot points 86 and are biased by springs 88 into engagement with thelug 82. In this way, the ink dispenser assembly is attached to the inkagitator. In order that the ink dispenser can move means is providedwhereby the ink dispenser can move along the beam above in the inkfountain.

In this embodiment, the ink dispenser 71 is mounted on the track 18. Asshown in FIGS. 4 and 7, there are a series of pairs of rollers 90, 92,94 on the ink dispenser assembly which engaged the front, top and rearwalls of the track respectively. By virtue of this arrangement the inkassembly moves along beam 18 as a result of the movement of ink agitatorresulting in even distribution of the ink being fed to the ink fountain.

The entire ink dispenser assembly is pivotally mounted about rod so thatthe entire assembly can be pivoted out of the way of ink fountain in theevent clean up is desired.

If the spring biased lugs 84 are not moved into engagement with thestationary lug 82, as shown in the drawing, the ink supply means willnot move with the ink agitator as it traverses back and forth.

In this form of the invention, the ink agitator cone may, if desired, beremoved so that while no ink agitation occurs, the ink is evenlydistributed along the ink fountain.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.

This embodiment is preferred in that it eliminates certain parts andprovides a simpler construction which is likely to be trouble free andprovide for ease of operation. In this preferred embodiment, the lug 49on the chain is eliminated and is not necessary to the operation of thedevice. In place of lug 49 there is provided a bracket 69 which isattached in any convenient fashion to the ink agitator assembly 6. Aconvention trip switch 72 is attached at the one end of the path oftravel of the ink agitator assembly. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, thebracket 69 will contact the trip switch producing the same results asdescribed above.

The invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specificmechanisms and devices shown and described but departures can be madetherefrom within the scope of the accompanying claims without departingfrom the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chiefadvantages.

What is claimed is:

1. A mechanism for maintaining the level of ink in an ink fountain at apredetermined minimum level comprising:

a. an ink fountain containing a quantity of ink,

b. a fountain roller extending into said ink fountain and adapted toremove ink from said ink fountain in small amounts,

c. wave making means mounted adjacent to said ink and extending belowthe level of ink in said ink fountain,

d. means for moving said wave making means longitudinally along thelength of said ink fountain to form a wave of ink which extends abovethe level of ink in said ink fountain, said wave making means includingswitch activating e. an ink supply means containing a supply of ink forfeeding to said ink supply,

f. a control means operatively associated with said ink supply means,said control including means to permit ink feeding and means to preventink feedmg,

g. switch means operatively associated with said control means,saidswitch means being positioned to be activated by said switchactivating means as said wave making means moves longitudinally of saidink' fountain and being adapted to cause ink feed,

h. ink sensor means mounted adjacent to said ink fountaimsaid ink sensormeans including a first member which extends into said ink fountain to aposition above the level of ink in said ink fountain,

i. said first member of said ink sensor means being operativelyassociated with said control means and said means for preventing inkfeeding,

j. said control means being adapted to feed ink in small measuredquantities to said ink fountain unless the wave of ink caused by saidink agitator is suffieiently high to activate said first ink sensormember to thereby prevent further ink feed.

2. A mechanism as described in claim 1 wherein said ink sensor meansincludes a second member which extends into said ink fountain to aposition above the level of ink in said ink fountain and beingoperatively associated with said control means to prevent ink feed ifthe wave of ink in said ink fountain is above a predetermined height.

3. A mechanism as described in claim 1 wherein the supply of ink islocated in a position remote from said ink fountain, there being conduitmeans between said supply of ink and said ink fountain.

4. A mechanism as described inclaim 1 wherein the said supply isconnected to said wave making means and adapted to move therewith and ispositioned above said ink fountain.

5. A mechanism as described in claim 1 wherein said wave making meanscomprises an ink agitator which turns about its own axis while it moveslongitudinally of said ink fountain.

1. A mechanism for maintaining the level of ink in an ink fountain at apredetermined minimum level comprising: a. an ink fountain containing aquantity of ink, b. a fountain roller extending into said ink fountainand adapted to remove ink from said ink fountain in small amounts, c.wave making means mounted adjacent to said ink and extending below thelevel of ink in said ink fountain, d. means for moving said wave makingmeans longitudinally along the length of said ink fountain to form awave of ink which extends above the level of ink in said ink fountain,said wave making means including switch activating e. an ink supplymeans containing a supply of ink for feeding to said ink supply, f. acontrol means operatively associated with said ink supply means, saidcontrol including means to permit ink feeding and means to prevent inkfeeding, g. switch means operatively associated with said control means,said switch means being positioned to be activated by said switchactivating means as said wave making means moves longitudinally of saidink fountain and being adapted to cause ink feed, h. ink sensor meansmounted adjacent to said ink fountain, said ink sensor means including afirst member which extends into said ink fountain to a position abovethe level of ink in said ink fountain, i. said first member of said inksensor means being operatively associated with said control means andsaid means for preventing ink feeding, j. said control means beingadapted to feed ink in small measured quantities to said ink fountainunless the wave of ink caused by said ink agitator is sufficiently highto activate said first ink sensor member to thereby prevent further inkfeed.
 2. A mechanism as described in claim 1 wherein said ink sensormeans includes a second member which extends into said ink fountain to aposition above the level of ink in said ink fountain and beingoperatively associated with said control means to prevent ink feed ifthe wave of ink in said ink fountain is above a predetermined height. 3.A mechanism as described in claim 1 wherein the supply of ink is locatedin a position remote from said ink fountain, there being conduit meansbetween said supply of ink and said ink fountain.
 4. A mechanism asdescribed in claim 1 wherein the said supply is connected to said wavemaking means and adapted to move therewith and is positioned above saidink fountain.
 5. A mechanism as described in claim 1 wherein said wavemaking means comprises an ink agitator which turns about its own axiswhile it moves longitudinally of said ink fountain.